The world-famous Kashmiri 'Kani' shawl has been able to get a 'Geographical Indicator' (GI) status, which will provide legal protection all over the world and help prevent shawls made in other regions from carrying the 'Kani' shawl tag.
Kani shawl is produced on a handloom from Pashmina fibre, which is known world-over as cashmere wool and comes from goat (Capra hircus), who breed at an altitude of 12,000 to 14,000 feet and are reared by nomad shepherds.
Kani shawls are woven on looms with the help of kani's, which are small eyeless bobbins, used instead of the shuttle. Kani shawls are also widely known as Jamawar. Two other shawls, Pashmina and Kashmiri Sozni have also bagged the GI tag.
The Kashmir Government has also sanctioned Rs 40.4 million to set up a laboratory to test the genuineness of a Kani shawl. The GI tag will also help the Kani shawl to regain its rightful place in domestic and global markets.
The government has also allocated financial assistance to the tune of Rs 332,000 to help the Kani shawl weavers to purchase new looms or renovate and modernize their old handlooms.
Fibre2fashion News Desk - India